How do I Flush a Radiator on a 99 Chevy Suburban?
The 1999 Chevrolet Suburban owner's manual recommends using a 50/50 mixture of clean water and Dex-Cool antifreeze. This will provide freezing protection down to 34 degrees Fahrenheit and boiling protection up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit. Chevrolet recommends that you change antifreeze every five years or 150,000 miles. If you use a coolant other than Dex-Cool, then radiator flushes and coolant changes should occur every two years or 30,000 miles.
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Things You'll Need
- Antifreeze
- Shop rag
- Funnel
- 5-gallon drain pan
- Garden hose
- Stiff bristle brush
Instructions
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Look at your Suburban's VIN to determine the amout of coolant mix needed to complete the change. The 8th character of the VIN will indicate which engine package your Suburban has. If it is an "R," the amount of coolant needed is 17.5 quarts, if you do not have a rear heater, or 20 quarts if you do. If the digit is a "J" you will need 25 quarts, if there is no rear heater, and 27.5 quarts if there is.
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Park your Suburban on a flat, level surface. Allow the vehicle to cool completely before continuing.
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3
Open the hood and inspect the radiator and hoses. Replace any damaged or leaking hoses. If there is a debris buildup on the front of the radiator, use the garden hose and brush to clean it off.
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4
Remove the radiator cap. Never attempt this step on an engine that is not completely cool.
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Place the drain pan beneath the vehicle centered under the drain petcock. Open the petcock and allow all of the coolant to drain from the radiator.
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Flush the radiator by placing the the garden hose into the radiator fill hole and running clean water through the radiator until no more rust or used antifreeze drains from the Suburban.
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Close the petcock and refill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and clean water.
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Replace the radiator cap and run the vehicle for several minutes. Shut off the engine and allow it to cool. Check the coolant level and add more if necessary.
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Dispose of the old antifreeze in a safe and legal manner. Many city and county governments run programs for the safe collection of hazardous waste such as used antifreeze. Contacting them directly is the best way to assure compliance with local law. Also, checking with a local garage or mechanic can be a quick and simple way to find a legal disposal method. For more information see "EPA: State and Territorial Environment Agencies" in the resources section.
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Tips & Warnings
Antifreeze is a poisonous substance. Do not ingest. Avoid contact with your eyes and skin.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit radiator humor image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
